Confessions of a Dreamer

by Kenna White

Ros McClure knows that she’s well-qualified and deserves the promotion the university has promised. But she didn’t expect that the good ol’ boys network would be standing in her way. She’s willing to stubbornly wait a little longer, but a family emergency is drawing her back to a time and a place she’d rather leave in her past.
Stacy Hagen has been a high school biology teacher for nearly three decades. Living in a small Kansas farm town, she can multitask like nobody’s business. Farmer, tennis coach, part-time housepainter―she can do it all. What she hasn’t been able to do is find the love of her life.
When their paths cross again after twenty-five years, will old secrets finally be exposed? Or will hearts be broken once again…

Genres: Audiobook, Lesbian Fiction, Romance, LGBT

244 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2020

About the author

Award winner, Kenna White, has been a best-selling romance author with Bella Books since 2004. She was born in a small town in Southwest Missouri, but has lived from the Colorado Rocky Mountains to New England. Splitting time between Puget Sound and the Ozarks where bare feet, faded jeans and lazy streams fill her life, she enjoys her writing, traveling, substitute teaching, making dollhouse miniatures and life's simpler pleasures.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.50 Stars. This was a sweet, age-gap romance. White is still a pretty new author to me. She has been writing for a long time but for some reason I have only read a couple of her books. In fact, White hasn’t written a new release in about four years so I was excited to finally review one of her books. I do have to be honest that I was hoping to enjoy this a bit more, but it was a very solid and a nice romantic read.

I liked the premise of the book. What happens when you connect, 25 years later, with the teacher you used to have a crush on? By making the characters 45 and 55, you lose any of the teacher student taboo, but it was still an interesting premise to hook you in.

I did find the beginning to feel a little rough. The dialogue felt stilted and just unlike White’s writing that I remember. Luckily, that went away once the setting changed and I felt much more comfortable with the story. So if you have mixed feelings in the beginning give it a minute, White gets into her groove as the book goes on.

I forgot to mention that this is also a slow-burn romance. And when I say slow, I mean slow. I personally love a good slow-burn but here it lead to my biggest issue. There just was not enough time with the characters together as a couple. It took too long to even get anywhere and the book was running out of pages. I needed to see the characters together more to really connect with the romance. Of course I liked them as a couple and wanted a HEA for them, but I wish the book was a few chapters longer with more couple content.

While this was a slower-paced book overall, I felt like I was very engaged in the story. There is not much angst either, but there is always something going on that kept my attention as a reader. I was never bored and if anything I wanted more so White knows how to keep her reader’s interest.

If you are looking for a slower paced book and romance, this might be for you. While this started off a bit bumpy, the characters grow on you and you will find yourself surprisingly hooked into the story. It was really nice to see White writing again and I look forward to reading more by her.

A copy was given to me for a honest review.

[Pin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my twelfth book by Kenna White, and I mainly like the way she tells her romances. They are usually above average, and Confessions of a Dreamer is no exception. It is a quite nicely done slow-burn age gap romance with believable and likable main characters. Kenna White writes about real and down-to-earth problems (too much work, aging, loneliness, illness...), and because of that, all of her characters also seem real and it is easy to recognize ourselves in them. I am not quite satisfied with the rushed and happy-for-now types of endings in her books including this one. They always leave me wanting at least one more chapter, but it probably goes along with her realistic way of portraying characters and their everyday life.
Overall, a good book, and I will continue to read further books by this author.

3.5 stars, rounded up
September 13, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*

[Jo reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4*

Ros McClure doesn't receive the promotion that should have been her's at the University she works at, but is willing to wait a little bit longer for the job that should be hers. But when her Aunt Bonnie falls, Ros finds herself going back to her hometown and to her past.
Stacy Hagen is the towns high school biology teacher and as been for almost three decades. She lives in her Kansas farm house, she also teachers tennis and even house paints. But as never been able to settle down and find the 'one'.

Ros and Stacy find themselves face to face again after not seeing each other for 25 years. And when the do finally meet, secrets are reveled and exposed.

Confessions of a dreamer is the perfect book to curl up on your sofa, with a glass of wine. I did enjoy this romance. I think it could have used a tad more chemistry, but I did like the two characters together and was rooting for a happy ending.

I was given an ARC copy for an honest review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book - not quite a four star but I’m rounding up. It’s a pleasant, sweet, easy read, with an age gap romance and a good premise.

Ros is an auditor at a University in Cincinnati. She’s called back to her hometown when her Aunt Bonnie has an accident. Here she’s reunited with her old biology teacher - Stacy, who has taken a role in Bonnie’s life.

I liked both Ros and Stacy as characters and connected with both of them. The book takes a little while to get going but I enjoyed it once it did.

Aunt Bonnie was a great character. I liked that she had just enough craziness to make the book amusing but not so much that the book became too much about her. I thought she was well written and her scenes worked well in strengthening the narrative of Ros and Stacy.

My only complaint is the lack of any real couple time in the storyline. I either needed a slightly longer book, or less of a slow burn. There was also a few pages about three quarters of the way through the book that gave me major anxiety as I anticipated something happening that never did. Not sure if that was intentional from the author or not.

I imagine this is a good depiction of small town living in the Midwest. I enjoyed the writing and I’m intrigued as to White’s other work.

I’d recommend this to any wlw fans, but especially those who aren’t looking for sexiness in their books.

I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy Hagen has worked for years as a highschool teacher trying her best in making sure her students can go as far as they want in life. While not exactly waving a rainbow flag many in her community knew she was a lesbian. Now she lives a simple life, still teaching along with working as a painter (houses) and raising a few cattle to add to her retirement fund. Now she’s gotten herself involved with a former student's Aunt Bonnie. Bonnie had tried painting her own house, even though she’d been warned not to. But she was a stubborn woman and she climbed a ladder, ending when she fell off and broke her shoulder. So being a good neighbor she did what she could. Contacting Bonnie’s niece was the first order of business.
Ros McClure spent most of her life living with her aunt who was the one who stepped up when Ros’s parents basically deserted her. Thankful for all the love and guidance Bonnie provided. When she graduated from highschool Stacy Hagen was her favorite teacher. In fact she had a major crush but thankfully only her childhood best friend knew about. After graduation she moved on and was now working at a university. Unfortunately she was passed over for a promotion she felt she had earned. So when she gets a call from her former teacher Stacy and finds out what had happened to her aunt she quickly traveled to help out her aunt. How she was going to deal with her aunt and get herself back to work.
Ms White has given us a book that, if you were a fan already you just know how much you will probably enjoy this one. Simply put a lovely story that develops into another winner for Ms White. A very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books

[Guerunche · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Kenna White writes romances about relatable small town folks, which I generally enjoy. They run about six hours or so, which I appreciate between longer listens. Abby Craden narrates the audiobooks and always does a good job.

This story was appealing enough but lost me when one of the main characters faced an ethical dilemma and then failed it miserably. At that point I was no longer invested. And then a supporting character who was supposed to be a best friend was even worse.

I don't find the title reflective of the tone of the story either and find it an odd choice. I don't remember a time when a title caught my attention in that way.

This one didn't work for me but I have enjoyed several of her other books.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a comforting read this book will never be my favourite.

Ros gets passed over for a promotion that she actually deserves. Now she has to deal with an incompetent boss because of the good old boys network. When a mysterious stranger calls her on her aunt's phone to inform Ros her aunt had had an accident, Ros takes some days of leave to care for her aunt. This brings her back to her a place she'd rather forget about. The town she grew up in hasn't changed much, neither have the residents. When Ros finally meets the person who called her from her aunt's phone she is in shock. It's her former biology teacher who she had a huge crush on, still does in fact. Stacy is still a teacher at the same high school, when she sees Ros it stirs up some old feelings as well.

Let me start by saying there is this huge part of this story that I find a little inappropriate. A teacher having a crush on a student? Admitting this to friends years later? WOW! Students have crushes on their teachers all the time, but to me that's different, it's more a form of admiration, wanting to be like them. But ok, the age difference is only 10 years, when your older that doesn't matter as much. I didn't care for the Ros character, she seems like a self-involved workaholic who only helps others to appease her guilt. Stacy is a caring mature woman but does some things that make you question her character, even though I can understand some of it, curious minds, and all that. The story is sweet in the end, bit just a tad slow for my liking. It wasn't unpleasant to read this book, maybe just a little dull, or this just wasn't a story I connect with.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ros is still reeling over being pass over for a promotion that she deserves. In my opinion although she decides to wait it out I would’ve resigned because they gave it to someone who doesn’t seem to know what he doing and she doing most of the work. When she gets a call that her aunt Bonnie fell and broke her shoulder she wants to be there for her aunt but also hesitant about going back to a town that didn’t have great memories for her.

Stacey has been a teacher for over three decades she does a lot of odd jobs. She the one who found Ros aunt and stayed with her. She doesn’t want to step on anyone toes but she becomes the person who looks in on Bonnie when she release from rehab. Ros and Stacey communicates about Bonnie well being when she had to return to work and they get to know each other we learn they were interested in each other back then but Stacey was a teacher she was a student at the time.

This was a enjoyable read I like that Bonnie wants to keep her independent and how she praises Ros.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Best Lesfic Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ros McClure works in the internal audit department of a university. She is a shoo-in for the top position when her boss retires but is bypassed. It doesn't sit well with her, particularly since her new boss is clueless about the work. As she is dealing with this setback in her life, she gets the news that her aunt, Bonnie, has been hospitalised. She flies back home and realises that Bonnie is being taken care of by Stacy Hagen, Ros' erstwhile biology teacher and high school crush.

Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with high school crush nostalgia? This wasn't what I was expecting, but that's mostly because I barely skimmed the book description before picking it up.
There are definitely going to be mixed opinions out there, but I enjoyed this. The characters are okay, although Stacy is nothing like the first impression we get of her. The student-teacher dynamic usually feels icky, but that mostly wasn't the case here because the characters are so removed from that time. I can see people complaining about the pace. While I do like a slow burn, having one here meant that the first expression of interest, the first kiss, and the sex scene happened all at once, 80% in. Not ideal. If the author wanted to keep the slow burn, there really should have been at least a chapter of courtship in between, or else the pace of the relationship should have been tweaked. Rushing to resolve all the conflicts at the end for lack of space does something to kill the romance.
In terms of the ending, I like how Stacy chose to reach out to Ros. It was adorable and I had a goofy smile while reading that part. I didn't like Stacy invading her privacy, and the diary read more like a thirteen year old than an eighteen year old, but it set up the resolution moment perfectly. I also didn't like how Ros gave up what everyone knew was her "dream job," right after slaving through the entire book to get it. I know there was no way around it, but I would have liked some shred of compromise.
There were flaws, not the least of which is a detail that I think will get a lot of criticism, but I'll go ahead and give this four stars.

[Laure · Rating 2 out of 5]

🏳️‍🌈👩‍❤‍👩📚⚢👩‍🏫👩‍🌾📓👩‍💻🔢👩‍❤‍💋‍👩📖👭🏳️‍🌈

That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received (from Bella Books via NetGalley) an ARC of "Confessions of a Dreamer " by Kenna White. So, here it is !!!

My rating : 2 ⭐️

What the hell was that ???

I wonder why this age-gape romance (if you can call this like that) had to finish before it even began ?? Don’t get me wrong, I think working on a past mutual crush was a good and original idea + it was really great to have mature MCs (at least in age since Stacy is 53 YO & Ros 43 YO) but the book would have been way much better with solid story and a real character development ... What I mean is that, basically, in this short novel, nothing realy happens in the romance area => A lot of details are given about a lot of stuff (Aunt Bonnie’s accident and all what it entailed, Stacy helping Bonnie, the twenty-five year class reunion, etc) but when it comes to the relationship between the MCs, that’s void of them … the MCs past most of their time helping Bonnie, they barely spend time together in the few weeks Ros spends in Colby (something like less than 4 weeks max), one night — out of the blue — they have a quicky in Stacy’s truck, here comes the fucking black moment and like 10 pages later, boom, here come THE END ... Like I said: No character nor relationship development
The little we know about teenage Ros comes from her diary (when Stacy has read it => talk about betraying the trust of someone , that’s not a good way to begin a relationship) but we don’t really know her as an adult and mature woman … And when it comes to Stacy, that’s simple, we don’t know a thing about her. The book seems to talk more about Aunt Bonnie (I prefered her to the MCs anyway …). And, between a lot of other things, the explanation about the disappearance of the biology notebook or the reason why Ros didn’t get her promotion at first don’t make any sense, they are bordering ridiculous from my POV …
What's the point to write this kind of stuff based on good ideas if you don’t give any depth to the story... And that's a shame because more worked, so us witnessing the development of the relationship between the lovebirds, their struggle to be reunited, etc… it could have been really interesting & touching. An epilogue explaining the surprise Ros makes to Stacy would have been better than a quick "chapter".
Seriously, all this gave me the feeling that there were some huge cuts and, to me, it tastes like an unfinished story …

Oh ... And I won’t talk too much about the couple of typos found here and there ("you aunt" instead of "your aunt"/ "beginnng" instead of "beginning" / etc ..)


If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Not as much as I wanted to
- Did I find the characters believable? => Nope since I prefered Aunt Bonnie to the MCs
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Nope
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope
- Would I read another book by this author? => I have a few in my WTR-list since a while but, TBH, IDK yet. Maybe someday …
- Would I recommend this book => I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …

🏳️‍🌈👩‍❤‍👩📚⚢👩‍🏫👩‍🌾📓👩‍💻🔢👩‍❤‍💋‍👩📖👭🏳️‍🌈

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would define this story as a rural romance, of rediscovering the first love, with some age difference between the protagonists, 53-43, all told slowly and with some flashback, but in a subtle and appropriate way.

Of the two protagonists, the oldest, Stacy, sometimes seems the youngest, by attitude and character. Not because she acts childish, but because the youngest, Ros, is too serious and even somewhat unfriendly at first.

They both have a past, as a teacher, Stacy, and a student, Ros, with the typical student crush on the teacher. And now Ros must return to take care of her aunt, temporarily, and that will make them meet again, the two now adults.

The story has a lot of thought about what is really important and what is not. It also has some surprises with things from the past that come to light and are resolved in a somewhat unexpected way. I have missed a little more interpersonal relationship between Ros and Stacy alone, without classmates, without family and friends. You can feel that attraction between them throughout the background, but it is blurred by the rest of the sissues.

And for your information, it has little to no sex scenes.

In short, I have found this story quite nice and enjoyable.

An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bella Books through Netgalley for my honest review

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for the digital galley of this one.

Ros McClure definitely deserves the promotion that was just handed to a colleague via the Good Ole Boys network, but she loves her work, and when she’s called home for a family emergency, it becomes difficult to manage her job and her aging aunt’s affairs. Stacy Hagen can do it all, except find the love of her life. Twenty-five years ago, she taught Ros McClure high school biology, but Ros is all grown up now, and even though the two drive each other nuts, the chemistry is undeniable.

I picked this one up because of the age difference between the two characters as well as the fact that they were both a bit older. I enjoyed their banter and the exasperation to lovers story, but overall, this one fell a tad flat for me.

It’s an easy-going story, which can be a nice palate cleanser in between some of the more dramatic stories, but it moved a bit slow for me, and the characters’ history didn’t really add as much to their relationship as I thought it might.

I do enjoy White’s books, though, and this won’t be my last.

[Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable romance. The premise was interesting with Stacy Hagen, high school biology teacher, also engaged in various other part-time work activities. Ros Mcclure, university auditor with a caring and deep love for her aunt. Ros is also a former student of Stacy. The student-teacher interaction was not a concern because their interaction was 25 years later. Ros returns home to check on her aunt while she is also concerned about her job and the promotion she believes she has earned and deserves. While reading, I thought about aging parents and the pull to return closer to home.

In general, the read did not flow very well because the interaction between Stacy and Ros seemed rushed and disjointed. For example, the slow burn did a quick and unsatisfying latter portion of the story. I enjoy a good slow burn romance but I had a difficult time with this one.

ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley for a honest review.

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of a Dreamer
Kenna White
Audio Books


I must confess, I have a strong affinity for any book or audiobook narrated by Abby Craden, so I may be a bit biased in that regard. However, I have also delved into a few of the author's previous works, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and Abby's narration added an extra layer of magic, much like the owls in the story. The plot itself was captivating, keeping me engaged from start to finish. I developed a fondness for all the characters, and Abby's talent truly brought them to life with her distinct voices. Without hesitation, I highly recommend any book that features Abby's narration. In particular, this story was incredibly enjoyable, and Keena White writing is definitely worth experiencing through the audiobook, available on various platforms such as Amazon. It took me on a delightful adventure, and I must admit, I developed a special fondness for Aunt Bonnie.

[H M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Not spacial or unpredictable but enjoyable nevertheless, I don't like any story where the prof is in love with one of their students but since this took action way after. I was not bothered by that fact.
I still don't get Ros tbh, she leaned too much on Stacey for her aunt and for what! A job where they did not appreciate her ! no thanks. drop their ass's so they will get what they paid for. Specially since she has money.

for Stacey I could not belief that she's THAT active. that's not humanly possible to me. and at the beginning she was super rude on the phone for no reason what so ever. then boom in person super nice and understanding !

thank you for the author and her team.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, first-crush, second-chance romance. Both leads 40+.

When Ros McClure is called back to her rural Kansas hometown to take care of her Aunt Bonnie, she expects it to be a temporary gig. She doesn't expect to take flack and accusations of lack-of-care from the stranger who found her Aunt injured in the front yard. Ros also doesn't expect said stranger to actually be Stacy Hagen - or Ms. Hagen as Ros knew her. Ms. Hagen - a high school teacher - was Ros's first major, and unrequited, crush over 20 years ago. As the two begin to reconnect, what was once unattainable fantasy becomes much more attainable instant attraction.

**I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Brandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

This is possibly the best book I've read all year. I loved how White painted the picture of everything from the mouse running across the floor to the pictures hanging on the wall of the house. I swear I could feel the rain and smell the paint she wrote of. This is the first I've read of this author but it certainly will not be the last. I fell in love with Kansas and the wonderful people of Colby. Do yourself a favor and read this book! You won't be able to stop yourself once you start. I would give this one 10 stars if there were that option. Thank you Kenna White for sharing this beautiful story with your readers. You have brought a little sunshine during the dark Covid tinted days.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ros stressed me out with not answering her phone. Not answering unknown numbers or people you don’t like is one thing, but she obviously loves her aunt so why is this woman not worrying about repeated calls for her elderly aunt who lives alone????
Overall an okay read, the ending was way too rush. I spaced out for a second and they were making out then “broke up.” Then their happy ever after was told in like 5 sentences. (Stacy confessed. Ros was like omg she loves me. Then next thing I know, Ros came back, dropped her dream job that she’s been pining after for years. The only thing that I like was that Ros did stay in that job for a bit before quitting.)
3.25/5

[Brenda Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ross is passed over for a promotion and right after she gets a call from a woman telling her her Aunt Bonnie fell off a ladder and is in the hospital. Rose decides it’s a good time to go back to small town in Kansas to check on her Aunt and let the university see they hired the wrong person. She finds out her old high school teacher is the one who has her aunts’ phone. There are bad feelings between the two due to a lost notebook and a grade.

[S.S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kenna White writes about real people living real lives. People who have real problems ageing relatives, exploitation by employers, wage stagnation and effort not always being rewarded. The romance is a slow burn sweet dance between two people now able to act on their attraction but separated by geography and time. An enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

[Elia Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting and sweet romance. I enjoyed the revealing of things even though the methods weren’t the best (characters’ actions wise) Roz had every right to be upset at the end, I don’t believe it was overreacting in any instance of what was revealed. The last part was cute though, I must admit.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very cute and moving story of teenage dreams that came true. We all had crush on our favorite teacher at some point. We all wanted to end in happy ever after....both mcs here got their chance even though it took them a bit to get there. This is lovely story!

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

I really enjoyed Confessions of a Dreamer. Very sweet story. I agree that high school reunions are scary places. You’re all so different from who you were twenty five years ago. Great ending.

[SUTTON (Kade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenna White is an excellent writer who seemed to do a rush job with the romantic main characters and most of the book but did develop the grandmother (main character 3) better. Disappointed but not a waste. You slow burn people better be extra patient.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book

I enjoyed this book. Sweet age difference romance. The characters are very likable and well written. Thanks for a very enjoyable read.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Jet Jetson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biologist who shoots 4 rattlesnakes, makes no sense.

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to the 25 year school reunion and connecting with the teacher crush. This age gap is a slow burn with a lovely Aunt character